We work with a lot of community groups and we know that most of you need to run things on a shoestring. Every purchase you make needs to be considered carefully. This means that services like More Human which come with a monthly cost, even when they are really valuable, can be hard to justify unless you have some funding to help you cover the costs and fuel your group.
Fortunately, with a bit of know-how, it is possible to get access to the funds your group needs to do your important work and not only keep the doors open but achieve your group’s full potential.
Where do you start?
We suggest that a good place to start, depending the size of your group is National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All. Awards for All prioritise projects that bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, or reduce inequality. Just the sort of groups that we work with at More Human.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for funding from Awards for All, your group must meet these simple criteria:
Be a Nonprofit Organisation:
Your group must be a charity, community interest company, unincorporated group, or a school (but not a profit-driven business).
Have a Constitution and Governing Document:
These are key documents that outline the purpose of your group, how it’s run, and the rules you follow. Examples include:
Constitution: This is like a rulebook that defines your group’s goals, how decisions are made, and how finances are handled.
Governing Document: Often part of the constitution, this includes details about your leadership structure (e.g., roles of committee members like chair, treasurer, and secretary).
If you don’t have these documents yet, don’t worry—they’re easy to create! Templates and guides are available online (e.g., from the Small Charities Coalition or NCVO), and your local council or volunteer centre may offer support.
Why are these important?
They show funders that your group is legitimate and organised.
They help you stay focused on your mission and ensure accountability within your team.
Having these in place can make applying for other grants and working with local authorities easier in the future.
Have a Bank Account in the Group’s Name:
Funders need assurance that money is being managed securely and transparently. Having a bank account in the group’s name, instead of the name of an individual is a requirement to ensure that you are showing funder’s that you are a legitimate and secure organisation.
Be Based in the UK and Serving Local Needs:
Your project must benefit communities in the UK and align with the fund’s goals of bringing people together and improving wellbeing.
What Kind of Projects Do Especially Well with Awards for All?
The best projects are those that resonate with the fund’s priorities. Here are some examples of ideas that have been successful:
Tackling Isolation:
Projects that bring together isolated groups, such as older adults, carers, or minority communities.
Example: A weekly coffee morning for elderly residents to combat loneliness.
Promoting Health and Wellbeing:
Activities that improve mental or physical health.
Example: Free yoga classes in a community hall to reduce stress and improve fitness.
Celebrating Local Culture and Diversity:
Events that bring people together to celebrate cultural heritage or local traditions.
Example: A community arts festival showcasing music, food, and crafts.
Supporting Young People:
Initiatives that engage young people in meaningful ways.
Example: A skills workshop for teens to learn coding, cooking, or creative arts.
The key is to show how your project will benefit the community and align with the fund’s aim of fostering connection and wellbeing.
Putting your application together
Show Your Impact
Funders want to know that their investment will make a tangible difference in communities. Here’s how to demonstrate your impact effectively:
Define the Problem:
What specific issue is your community facing? Use local data, personal stories, or feedback from group members to illustrate the need.
Example: “Our village has seen a 25% increase in people over 65 living alone, and after surveying them, 40% of them report feeling isolated. We aim to reduce loneliness through weekly social activities.”
Describe the Change You’ll Create:
Clearly state the outcomes you hope to achieve.
Example: “Our project will bring 30 isolated residents together weekly, helping them build friendships and improve their mental wellbeing.”
Measure Success:
Funders love numbers! Think about how you’ll track progress.
Example: “We will collect feedback through surveys and track attendance numbers to measure impact.” (Clue: Alfi can help you with that!).
Show Community Involvement
Funders want to see that your project is driven by the people it’s meant to help. This demonstrates both need and sustainability. Here are some ways to show community involvement:
Collect Community Input:
Run surveys, host focus groups, or gather informal feedback to ensure your project meets local needs.
Example: “We surveyed 50 local parents, and 80% said they’d like affordable activities for their children during the school holidays.”
Collaborate with Local Partners:
Partner with other community groups, schools, or charities to show collaboration and wider community support.
Example: “We’re working with the local primary school to co-host family activity days.”
Involve Volunteers:
Highlight the role of local people in planning, running, and promoting your project.
Example: “Our group is led by a team of 10 passionate volunteers who are all local residents.”
Use Testimonials:
Share quotes or stories from people who’ve benefited from your group in the past.
Example: “One participant said, ‘Attending our knitting group was the first time I’d left the house in weeks.’”
By strengthening these areas of your application, you’ll stand out as a committed, organised, and impactful group—making it much more likely that your project will receive funding!
Other ways of raising funds
If Awards for All isn’t the right fit or you want to explore other opportunities, here are some alternatives tailored for small community groups.
Crowdfunding:
Use Alfi’s event promotion tools to run a crowdfunding campaign alongside your events. Platforms like Crowdfunder UK often match funds for community projects.
Local Authority Grants:
Many councils provide funding for tools and tech that support community cohesion. Highlight how Alfi reduces admin time, leaving more energy for making a difference.
Corporate Sponsorships:
Approach local businesses and explain how their sponsorship could cover your More Human subscription, helping your group stay organised and impactful.
Final Thoughts
Funding your group and getting access to the right tools doesn’t just make your life easier—it’s an investment in the connections, wellbeing, and growth of your community. By applying for grants like Awards for All, you can secure the support you need to keep building a vibrant, connected community.
Remember: funders want to back projects that make a difference. Alfi makes it easier than ever to show your impact, involve your community, and deliver results.
If you need a helping hand or a few pointers please feel free to reach out and email andy@more-human.co.uk to set up a chat.
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